Affordable housing projects in downtown Ann Arbor need opinions

The dilemma of creating a vibrant downtown core while still providing affordable housing options will be hot topic of conversation in Ann Arbor during a public information meeting Tuesday evening.

The city’s Housing and Human Services is looking for opinions from local residents on the creation of 100 new units of affordable housing for low-income residents. The board must recommend to city council by the end of May whether these units should be located on the site of the former YMCA building to replace the units that were there as part of the William Street Station development or elsewhere.

The board is specifically trying to address whether the 100 units should continue to be concentrated on that site or spread out through the downtown or even the rest of the city. It will also look at what types of social services should be provided, too.

A tricky proposition since downtown space is some of the most coveted in the city and a hotbed for developing high-end homes and commercial space. Some see mandating affordable housing as burden on downtown’s momentum and its developers. Others say affordable housing is necessary to keep a vibrant community and is a social responsibility. Both sides of the argument will be speaking their minds at the Tuesday’s meeting.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the lower level conference room at 200 N Main St. For information, call Jennifer Hall at (734) 622-9006.

Source: City of Ann Arbor

Writer: Jon Zemke